26P1502_JA draft_Final-signed_Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification and Approval (J&A) document for a single-source, non-competitive procurement authorized under FAR 6.103-2 for Unusual and Compelling Urgency. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy is procuring a LOX-certified ISO tank with an estimated contract value of $264,775.63 to sustain Charleston Air Force Base operations.

The required deliverables include one new LOX-certified ISO tank with 5,000-gallon capacity, transportation of the empty ISO tank from Houston, Texas to Charleston AFB, hazardous materials documentation, nitrogen blanketing and purge services, cryogenic subject matter expert travel and oversight, post-mission evacuation and purge operations, and installation of a fill-line restriction orifice. The procurement is structured as a firm-fixed-price contract with FY26 Defense Working Capital Funds. The justification cites immediate operational necessity due to commercial lead times of 12-16 weeks for LOX ISO tanks being incompatible with Charleston AFB's urgent operational requirements. Market research identified only one vendor—Katmai Systems Solutions, LLC—currently maintaining an immediately available LOX-certified ISO tank meeting Air Force technical specifications and capable of preparation, certification, and transportation within the required operational window. The contracting officer determined the estimated cost fair and reasonable based on independent government cost estimates, historical pricing, market research, and current fuel price validation. Due to the urgent nature, no synopsis will be posted per FAR 5.101(b)(2). Future actions to mitigate urgency include expanding market research to identify additional qualified cryogenic vendors, monitoring commercial availability of LOX ISO tanks, evaluating pre-positioned assets, and updating technical requirements to support broader competition.